July 28, 2012

When I think of making a chutney I truly get reminded of my Mom. No kidding she prepares so many varities of chutneys. I love each one of them. She used to prepare atleast 3 chutney's and sambar for our weekend breakfast. Every chutney would have a unique taste and I always try to recreate them. Shweets once said that Mom your green(coriander) chutney does not taste like the one paati makes. I did try my best though !! If you are a lover of flavorful chutneys then you got to try this Ginger/Inji Chutney.

Ginger/ Inji Chutney is a flavorful chutney. So many different ingredients with entirely different tastes go into it making this a winner. Spiciness from the red chillies, tanginess from the tamarind, sweetness from the jaggery, mild taste from the ginger makes the chutney burst with different flavors. This chutney can be used as a side dish for the South Indian Idly, Dosa or the Pesarattu.

Grind the contents by adding little water until it reaches slightly coarse consistency.

Transfer the contents to a bowl and add little water and mix well.

Heat remaining 1 tsp oil, add mustard and allow it to splutter then add curry leaves and remove from the flame.

Add the seasoning to the chutney.

Notes

Adjust spice level according to your taste.

Little tip on reheating the chutney after refrigerating - Boil water in a heavy bottomed vessel. Switch of the flame and place the container with the chutney over the boiling water.This way chutney will be fresh. Do not microwave or reheat you chutney it will lose its taste

July 22, 2012

Shweets has been asking me to bake something. After a tiresome play day she was fast asleep. Perfect time to surprise her. One way to surprise her would be to use Nutella in baking. Also I wanted to bake something snacky and not too sweet. I suddenly got reminded of the popular food gawker recipe the Doughnut Muffins. Can you believe this "Muffins that taste like Doughnuts". Yes it is true !! They were perfect, fluffy and will just melt in your mouth. Obviously Shweets was surprised as it tasted super good.
She has stored the extras in the refrigerator for tomorrow's breakfast.

Nutella has become something irreplacable in our kitchen. I never forget to visit the aisle that stores nutella even when I have enough stock. Just in case I run of it is my excuse each time I reach out to it. These nutella filled doughnutty muffins are perfect for breakfast or tea time. Once you have about 30 minutes in hand, get your sleeves up and try out these beauties. Cinnamon and Sugar coating on the outside and Nutella in the inside will take you to different world. You will surely love it I guarantee !!!

July 17, 2012

Climate is so unpredictable in this part of the US. It is burning hot in the morning and it is raining heavily in the afternoon. Whatever may be the climate we have our own ways to enjoy it.Summer time is the perfect time to enjoy all kind of drinks. Simple and Refreshing Lemonade is one drink you cannot miss having during summer. I know lemonade is so simple squeeze a lemon, add sugar, water and drink. But preparing lemonade with homemade lemon syrup is so different. You do not have to stir endlessly to get the sugar dissolved or mess your kitchen everytime you want a drink.

With all that being said do not panic, making lemon syrup is equally simple. You can refrigerate the syrup and use it whenever you want. I was so tempted to prepare one glass of the lemonade for me when I was clicking the pictures. It was refreshing and perfect to our taste. Shweets sneaked in and took a few sips too. She liked it a lot and has asked to prepare pink lemonade. Making these kind simple recipes makes shweets super excited as she can help me or pretend to help me. Now that we love this you got to try this super refreshing lemonade to beat the heat.

July 5, 2012

This July 4th was not a long weekend, but it was for us !! As Shweet's summer camp was closed I had to take off. Planned a lot of activities but ended up just eating and sleeping. Perfect way to get out of the hectic schedule. So as usual kids are hyper active and always wants something or other. Now the second one has turned one and he knows his rights.He wants everything that shweets has. Love to see them fight for the remote, mini car and what not. On the other hand when the big one asks for a hug or kiss the lil one runs to give her one. Priceless moments.

The big cute sister has a sweet tooth and always wants something chocolatey. After lunch around 3.30-ish she comes to me saying mama I'm hungry. When I asked want she wanted her choice was the mug cake or the small cake as she calls it. As it is easy to make and also hardly takes about 5 minutes from pantry to the table, I said yes. I was in no mood to make something elaborate. Mug cakes are instant way to treat yourself when you feel down. Makes no sense but it truly makes you feel good. Anything that has nutella is always welcome and we love it anytime !!